Our Town North: April 15, 2020

Helping Hands

Business

Farmer’s Market valuable resource in light of pandemic – Page 6

Engineer 3D prints, donates protective masks – Page 5

Vol. 17 No. 8

COMMUNITY NEWS Serving Mt. Angel, Silverton and Scotts Mills

April 2020

t e e m s t c i r t s i d l Schoo s y a w w e n n i s d e ne – Page 11 Our Town P.O. Box 927 Mt. Angel, Or 97362

POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 854

Sports & Recreation

Foxes’ Gonzales heads to Corban – Page 12

Yes, 󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌 󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌e󰈌󰈌󰈌󰈌

TheThe following businesses in our community areare providing following businesses in our community services and servivces goods while COVID-19 prevention providing andfollowing goods while following precautions, including delivery,including pick-up, drive-thru COVID-19 prevention precautions, delivery, and in-store withwith social distancing. pick-up, drive-thru, in-store social distancing and

more.

ContactThem themfor for more Contact Moreinfo.

Info.

Abiqua Landscape Products

503-873-3535

1295 N 1st St, Silverton

AbiquaLandscapeProducts.com

Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and closed Sunday.

Apples to Oranges

503-874-4901

204 E Main St, Silverton

ApplesToOranges.net

Curbside deliveries, or home deliveries within the Silverton city limits.

One customer allowed in the shop at a time, masks are required.

Benedictine Sisters Gift Shop

503-845-2556

840 S Main St., Mt. Angel

Benedictine-SRS.org Info@Benedictine-SRS.org

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pick-up or mail.

Bledsoe Santana Team Realty, LLC

503-874-4666

BledsoeSantanaTeam.com

BledsoeSantanaTeam@gmail.com By appointment only. Agents on duty. Call or email anytime

Blue Tansy Food & Gifts

503-874-1878

Books-N-Time, LLC

503-874-4311

Brent Satern – COUNTRY Financial

BlueTansyFoodAndGifts.com

Free shipping (U.S.) or local delivery on an order of $50 or more.

210 N Water St, Silverton

Chuck.Tauer@OKState.edu

Mon-Fri 2 - 4 p.m. Store closed but books or games can be delivered, or arrange curbside pickup.

503-580-9546

204 W Main St, Silverton

Brent.satern@CountryFinancial.com Available by phone or video conference, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Budget Blinds of East Marion County

971-304-0544

221 Ames Ct, Silverton

BudgetBlinds.com LDahlstrom@BudgetBlinds.com

Virtual Consultations, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Butte Creek Computer Service, Repair, & Virus Removal, LLC

503-877-3130

209 E Main St, Silverton

ButteCreekComputer.com

Call for appointment, curbside pick-up or remote support.

Garden View Restaurant at the Oregon Garden Resort

503-874-2500

895 W Main St, Silverton

OregonGardenResort.com/dining

Offering pick-up and FREE delivery within 10 miles. 7 days a week, 4 - 8 p.m.

Graystone Lounge

503-873-2841

203 E Main St, Silverton

GraystoneLounge.com Service@GraystoneLounge.com

Family style takeout. Pick-up and delivery.

Home Place Restaurant, The

503-873-6391

1080 N First St, Silverton

HomePlaceRestaurant.com

Order online/pick-up at drive up window (north side of building): 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Linn Benton Tractor Co.

541-926-1811

33599 Hwy 99E, Tangent

LinnBentonTractor.com

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Lucky Leaf, The

503-874-4788

208 Jersey St, Silverton

TheLuckyLeaf.com

Online/phone ordering and curbside delivery: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Magnolia Grill

503-996-1029

210 E Charles St, Mt Angel

Facebook.com/MagnoliaGrill210

Takeout: Tues - Sun 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 5 - 9 p.m.

Mt. Angel Auto Body

503-860-4575 503-845-6869

255 E Marquam St, Mt Angel

MtAngelAutobody.com Bill@MtAngelautobody.com

Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Mt. Angel Meat Co.

503-845-6112

11771 Bull Run Rd. NE, Mt. Angel MtAngelMeat.com

Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mt. Angel Sausage Co.

503-845-2322

105 S Garfield St., Mt. Angel

Retail meats, seafood, European breads. Retail store open for shopping.

100 beers to go. Call in or web order. Curbside pick-up.

Ri Ky Residential Roofing

503-477-4744

Silver Creek Auto Body

503-873-1169

210 Jefferson St, Silverton

SilverCreekAutoBody.com Bob@SilverCreekAutoBody.com

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Offering pick-up & delivery.

Silverton Beverage (local liquor store)

503-873-5050

920 N First St, Silverton

SpiritsOregon.com

Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Silverton Chamber and Visitor Center

503-873-5615

SilvertonChamber.org

Stacy@SilvertonChamber.org

Operating remotely 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or by appointment

Vitis Ridge Winery

503-910-7524 VitisRidge.com 503-873-9800 (text)

Info@VitisRidge.com

By apointment only, 7 days a week. Curbside pick up at 6685 Meridian Rd NE, Silverton.

(formerly The Towne House – New ownership!)

Online ordering: MASC.HRPOS.Heartland.us

Ri-Ky.com or email: Info@Ri-Ky.com Tara Kramer, Silverton Parent/Resident. Call for Quote.

To add your business name to this list in the next edition for $25, email us at Jim.K@MtAngelPub.com or call us at 503-845-9499. in partnership with 2 • April 2020

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Our Town Life

6 Helping Hands

Feeding workers fuels economy ....4 ‘Printing’ emergency supplies ......5 Business

Farmers bring food to market.......6 Owners talk ‘Stay Home’ impact....7

SFSD learns new ways to serve.......9 MASD breaking new ground ..........9 Sports & Recreation

Foxes’ Gonzales Corban bound .....12 Passages ..........................13

Civics 101

Marketplace ...................13

SHS Tech trains for virtual world.....8

People Out Loud ............14

Above

SILVERTON SENIOR CENTER 115 Westfield Street • Silverton • 503-873-3093

Silverton Farmer’s Market moves outside to help social distancing.

MELISSA WAGONER

On the Cover Food service workers collaborate with Silver Falls School District bus drivers to deliver food to district children. BRENNA WIEGAND

COMMUNITY UPDATE The Silverton Senior Center will continue to be closed until further notice.

Please Stay Home & Stay Safe!

For questions regarding the Silverton Senior Center call 503-873-3093 and leave a message. Your call will be returned.

Our Town

Paula Mabry Editor & Publisher

Steve Beckner Custom Design

Jim Kinghorn Advertising Director

Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Copy Editor

DeeDe Williams Office Manager

Sara Morgan

Datebook Editor

P.O. Box 927 Mount Angel, OR 97362 401 Oak St. Silverton, OR 97381 503-845-9499 ourtown.life@mtangelpub.com

ourtownlive.com Our Town mailed free to residents and businesses in the 97362, 97375, 97381 zip codes. Subscriptions for outside this area are available for $48 annually.

The deadline for placing an ad in the May 1 issue is April 20.

Contributing Artists, Editors, Writers, Photographers Dixon Bledsoe • James Day • Nancy Jennings Mary Owen • Steve Ritchie • Carl Sampson Melissa Wagoner • Brenna Wiegand Katie Bassett Greeter

Our Town Life

Thank you for spending time with Our Town.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

For questions concerning the Meals on Wheels Program through NorthWest Senior & Disability Services call 503-873-6906 Monday, Wednesday & Fridays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For questions about resources and services available, be sure and check out the Resource Guide on our Web Site www.silvertonseniorcenter.org For other updates and general information “Like” our Facebook Page: Silverton Senior Center

www.silvertonseniorcenter.org

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April 2020 • 3

Helping Hands

Feeding the workers

An idea turns into an inspiring movement

By Melissa Wagoner

Want to support the effort?

Sometimes all it takes is a single, great idea to start a movement – and on Friday, March 27 Andy Diacetis had a truly great idea.

• Join the Facebook page to make a donation • Give to SACA at silvertonareacommunityaid.org

“I was scrolling through Twitter and I saw a post from Shake Shack thanking Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan for buying lunch for a hospital in NYC,” Diacetis recalled. “I thought ‘that would be pretty great to be able to do that. I can’t afford it on my own but I’ll bet I could get a few people together to buy a couple of pizzas for workers at Silverton Hospital.’ ”

• Make lunches through shelteringsilverton.org • Sign up to deliver through signupgenius.com Hospital ED from Wooden Nickel and one was donuts from Gear Up to Salud in Woodburn,” April Newton, whose husband is a doctor in Legacy Silverton Medical Center’s Emergency Room, said. “Both were very appreciative and excited that people are reaching out and thinking of them… We know what the toll is, and most likely will be, on our medical staff and the people working the frontlines to support our community right now. I just wanted to be involved in something positive that can make a small difference for people.”

And that’s what he did. His first Facebook post was a simple request asking friends to support his efforts to buy a couple of pizzas. Within an hour he had raised $600. And the figures have continued to climb, with online donations streaming in, not just from Oregonians, but from as far away as New York, Wyoming and California.

“It went from wanting to buy a couple of pizzas for the hospital to having enough money to buy meals and snacks for essentially every group of essential workers we can think of,” Diacetis said.

And that’s where Feeding Silverton’s Essential Workers (FSEW) – a grassroots Facebook organization – began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of the essential workers are doing extra hours and don’t have time to shop or cook for themselves,” Vivienne Frankel, one of the group’s primary organizers, said of the mission. “It also provides something different to eat when most people are just eating at home. But I believe the biggest thing is recognition of what they are doing for the rest of us by staying at work, in high risk jobs.”

Along with providing meals, pastries, coffee and even treat bags to the many businesses and organizations who have been deemed essential, FSEW is also working to keep small businesses afloat during these trying economic times.

“I imagine it’s just a drop in the bucket for what their usual revenues are but hopefully it’s something,” Diacetis, the owner of a wine filtration business and the co-founder of 503 Distilling, admitted.

“I know what they are all going through. It’s going to be a

Such sentiments are common amongst FSEW volunteers, who are looking for a way to show support their community even if they cannot leave the confines of their homes.

Workers ar Oregon Oncology display the lunch boxes provided by Feeding Silverton’s Essential Workers. DAWN TACKER

really hard recovery when this is finally past us.”

Although FSEW is primarily a Facebook-based entity, they do rely on drivers to conduct deliveries, using extreme caution in doing so. “[W]e don’t allow contact, so delivery is made by the service provider putting the food in someone’s trunk and the recipient taking the food out at the other end,” Frankel described. “In many cases, employees of hospitals and hospice have volunteered to pick up and deliver because they are already being screened daily.”

But no matter how the food gets there, those on the receiving end have been grateful – both for the sustenance and for the support such gifts demonstrate.

“I have done two deliveries, one was lunch to Silverton

“It’s giving me a way to help,” volunteer Briana Hupp said. “I’m a nine-month pregnant nurse with an immunocompromised three-year-old daughter and married to a career firefighter/paramedic. There were very few ways for me to ‘help’ during this... This gave me a way.”

With FSEW in its second week and continuing to pick up steam, the team is hopeful that this is one product of the pandemic that actually will outlast the virus itself.

“I hope we can operate as long as we are needed,” Frankel said. “Perhaps even beyond the pandemic. Perhaps people will better learn to appreciate these folks every day, not just when they are under such severe stress.”

“I want us to support all our essential workers to the other side of this crisis and beyond, as we reconsider living wages,” volunteer Dawn Tacker, added. “Silverton cares deeply. I love how we demonstrate appreciation for those keeping our town functioning in this chaotic time.”

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Our Town Life

Protecting the workers

3D printers provide a way to make shields

By Brenna Wiegand

Want to support the effort?

Like many Americans, Kyle Kirsch of Silverton wanted to help our COVID-19 first responders, who sorely lack the personal protective gear required for those on the front lines.

To donate to Kyle’s face shield project, see https:// paypal.me/pools/c/8nMG3k1wXo. For more about his business go to www.lumengraphusa.com

Unlike most, Kirsch is also a 3D printer buff and an engineer at Benchmade Knife Company. Seeing others making face shields with 3D printers, Kirsch realized he had everything at hand to do the same.

acquire the materials he needs for the shields and their packaging. He’s a detail person, packaging and labeling each mask individually, making their distribution easier and cleaner.

“I had all the equipment to execute the masks pretty quickly and so we just pulled the trigger and it’s been crazy ever since,” Kirsch said, adding that his employer has “given him a lot of grace” in allowing him to pursue the cause.

“There are several people out there that can’t afford something like this,” Kirsch said. “They’re incredibly grateful and I’ve had a lot of people come through with donations to reward that generosity. It’s been awesome.”

As of last week, Kirsch had made and donated well over 1,200 masks with hundreds of orders behind them.

Kirsch has been able to keep up with demand, usually filling orders within a couple days. Requests range from a single mask for an immunocompromised individual to 100 for Providence Hospital.

Kirsch hasn’t used 3D printers much at Benchmade; just enough for him to make a hobby of it. That hobby became a side business a couple years ago when he and his wife Elisha started “LumenGraph.”

“We print out photographs in 3D that appear 3D when you put light behind them,” Kirsch said. “It makes for a really unique effect.”

The business’ aim was to allow Elisha to stay home with the kids, a goal which was realized about a month ago, just in time for her to dive into the rapidly burgeoning face shield project. They each put in about five hours a day and have six 3D printers working 24-7, cranking out about 150 units a day.

Kirsch charges nothing for his masks and it wasn’t long before supplies were dwindling. His sister Jill Verboort set up a PayPal money pool toward the Kirsch’s efforts and it was a success from the start.

Julie Bersin

Kyle Kirsch wearing a 3D printer shield and displaying some pieces that go into creating one. BRENNA WIEGAND

His sister contracted the coronavirus the third week of March. Now at 100 percent baseline health and reunited with her family, she is currently being tested for antibodies at True Health Clinic in Silverton. Currently, True Health is the only clinic in Oregon doing such testing. It is also a face shield recipient. Verboort keeps a blog on her experience: spreadingsunshineblog.com.

Kirsch started with four printers and, buoyed by generous donations, has purchased two more and continues to

“It’s all about the local connection, too,” Kirsch said.

“We’ve shipped face shields all over the country – Hawaii, Washington, Kentucky, Ohio – and they’ve all been through local connections.”

Such shields prolong the life of the surgical masks typically worn underneath.

“Anything you can do to keep any foreign contaminants off of that mask is going to help and, in a medical setting, any liquids that come squirting across would hit the shield instead of the mask and it’s going to protect your face and eyes more,” Kirsch said.

“Masks also help keep you from touching your face – that’s a big deal.”

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April 2020 • 5

Business

Maintaining access

Farmer’s Market local food-focus proves a bright spot

By Melissa Wagoner Access to fresh, healthy foods is essential and so are the farmers who produce it. That means, at least for now, the Silverton Farmer’s Market, and others like it, remain open for business.

“We have been deemed an essential business and are taking many steps to ensure our vendors’ and customers’ safety and wellness at this time of COVID-19,” Jan Burge, Market Manager and current Social Distancing Officer, said.

But the decision to continue operation was not taken lightly, as Bill Schiedler, owner of Gardenripe and longtime board member, readily admitted.

“One of our board members voiced concern that what if we found out that one of our customers has COVID-19...

How would we feel then?” Schiedler recalled. “I look at this question differently: What if we find out that members of our community get COVID19 and the market wasn’t there for them to provide the safest possible shopping venue? Then how would we feel? Obviously, there will be (and are) members within our community that will get coronavirus, but we can still provide the best opportunity for all to obtain superior local products in the safest possible environment. The market provides this and also a small opportunity each week to maintain a bit of a sense of normalcy in an otherwise fractured time.”

So, with a number of safety precautions put into place, the market vendors have forged ahead.

“There are two people at each booth now, one handling money and the other dealing with products,” Nicole Gilchrist, owner of Blue Sky Fungi, described.

“Booths are spaced farther apart and it has moved outside to reduce transmission risks. Everyone is wearing gloves and using hand sanitizer between each customer. Sadly, no more samples.”

Luckily, although the look of the market has changed the products themselves have not and there is still plenty of variety.

“A few of the vendors have decided to not come to market for a few weeks but there are still vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, CBD products and mushrooms and baked goods available for purchase,” Rick Smith, owner of RKS Farms, said.

“We believe we are a vital source of healthy, local food for the community.

6 • April 2020

Left: Masks are provided to customers at the Silverton Farmer’s Market. Right: Bill Schiedler, at left, working the Gardenripe stand at the Silverton Farmer’s Market.

MELISSA WAGONER

Silverton residents are our neighbors and friends and we want to continue to help provide a convenient place where they can access the freshest and healthiest foods.”

And that access has become even more important as the nation’s big chain grocery stores have become strained under recent demand, leaving shelves emptied and consumers concerned.

“Anyone who has been to the grocery store lately and seen the empty shelves has witnessed the fact that large scale food distribution chains have a lag time in responding to increased demand,” Smith said. “It has been our privilege to do our part in alleviating this strain by providing locally produced food that is here and available now. Having a strong local food supply from local farmers makes our entire community safer and more stable in any type of emergency or crisis.”

Shopping at a farmer’s market is offers other safety features.

“Buying direct from the farmers, you can see the people who grow and work with your food and know that they are taking every precaution to keep you and your family safe, healthy and well fed,” Gilchrist pointed out.

And many of her customers agree as is

Silverton Winter Market

indicated by a recent surge in sales.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to Noon

“We have actually had an increase in orders and new customers as people have started to look for alternative food sources when the grocery store shelves were empty,” Smith said, admitting this is one result of the pandemic he hopes will not be short-lived.

Located at Town Square Park – the corner of Main Street and Fiske Street in Silverton

“We hope that a silver lining to this sad and anxious time will be that more people will realize how important and delicious local food can be,” he acknowledged. “We would love to see an increased support for the farmer’s market and the Silverton Food Coop.”

This sentiment was echoed across the board by all of the market’s vendors, who would like this time to serve as a reminder of how important supporting the local economy can be.

“While I cannot speak for everyone at the market, we feel that a direct link to the food producers in your local area during these trying times can bring a sense of security and community, which is so vital,” Gilchrist said. “Everyone still needs to eat and this crisis exposes the limitations that large supply chains can face and highlights the role of small, local farms being that necessary resource.”

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CURRENT VENDORS: Blue Sky Fungi Fresh mushrooms, growing kits, extracts and salts (shipping available). www.blueskyfungi.com Fisher Ridge Farm Beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey Silverton area delivery available.

503-769-2322 or fisherridgefarm@ gmail.com Great Oak Farms Meats, eggs, dried herbs, soaps, oils, pelts and bread.

Whole Circle Farms A line of CBD products. www.wholecirclefarms.com RKS Farms Goat cheeses, pepper jelly, cajeta (goat milk caramel), eggs (chicken and duck), bread, pies and other baked goods Pick-up and delivery available. www.rksfarms.com

Our Town Life

Survival mode

Businesses find new ways to serve customers

By Melissa Wagoner

already their slowest season.

Opening a business is tough, so tough that a recent Forbes Finance Council article estimated roughly half of all new businesses will fail before the five-year mark. A drop in the market, inadequate capital, too much competition or even the wrong employee team can all be contributing factors to what makes a business fail. But add to those, the complete, mandatory closure of all nonessential businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numbers become much worse.

“January through March are very slow months for me and the photography industry in general,” Annie Smith, owner of Annie Smith Photography in downtown Silverton, said. “I prepare for that during my busy months to make sure I have enough in savings, but that is running out.”

“I had to close our doors the second Saturday of March,” Jen Jacobson – who opened her dream business, Beloved Cheesecakes, a mere eight months ago – said. “We went from having one of our best First Fridays to the second Friday being the worst since we opened. It was heartbreaking.”

“Beyond work, as a parent of three kids, I also started to worry about how I am going to provide educationally for my kids and create a joyful time for them during all this chaos,” Smith said. “That’s when I came up with the idea of teaching a photography class online for kids and families. I teach photography camps every summer; this is just changing the structure a bit. I wanted to keep it very affordable, make enough to pay my expenses and serve my community.”

And Jacobson’s experience is far from unique. Silverton Gymnastics Academy (SGA), which Celia Storey and her husband purchased three years ago, was also having its best year.

“We had the most active enrollments we’ve had since we started,” Storey said.

“Our team program was thriving and on track to grow in the upcoming season.”

Things were going so well for SGA that they had begun to make plans to expand their business, either opening other locations or expanding the one they currently own. Then on March 13 that all came to a halt.

“We were ordered to temporarily shut the doors, as we are a non-essential business,” Storey explained. “However, our creditors and operating expenses were not put on hold. We did not have any type of savings as we are still in the startup phases.”

Without the continuation of student and team enrollments, the Storeys knew it was only a matter of time before SGA succumbed to overwhelming debt. That’s when they got creative, moving many of their classes online.

“It has been really challenging for me to learn all these new online features and/ or program formats, but so worth it,” Storey said. “Learning to use Zoom for

Our Town Life

With the cancellation of her entire lineup of spring photography appointments and the annual Cutest Kid Contest, Smith was forced to think outside the box in order to keep her business afloat.

To the future...

“Brush your kids’ teeth. And don’t let them snack on demand – children are especially prone to what I call the ‘snacking cavities.’ Even if you brush and floss great every day, you can still get a lot of cavities very quickly if you snack frequently, especially the baby teeth. And as soon as we are able to be open for routine services again, it will be important to get a check-up to see if there are any new developments that need to be addressed.”

– Dr. Tim Richardson, Acorn Dentistry for Kids

“Prayer and encouragement are everything to us! We truly believe we will survive, no matter how grim it may ‘appear’ on the paper!”

– Celia Storey, Silverton Gymnastics Academy “I want our community to consider the single parent business owners of our community. I think they are being hit the hardest. Not just financially but emotionally too. Support their businesses if you can, buy gift certificates. And if nothing else, just check on them, share your love.”

– Annie Smith

our classes has been most rewarding to us as coaches. We get to see each of our athletes and interact with them personally… I feel closer to our athletes than ever before. Seeing their smiles has been so encouraging.”

But even with a massive reorganization and the continued financial support of many of the gym’s members, SGA has been forced to lay off nearly all of its staff.

“It has been devastating,” Storey said of the decision. “We consider all our employees part of our immediate family.

It has been so hard to have to shut the doors and tell them not to come to work.”

Similar situations are playing out across the country as employers are forced to lay off staff, leaving employees unsure when or if they will be able to return.

“I sadly had to furlough the majority of my team members, with the exception of a few, to be available to provide the emergency services kids still need access to,” said Dr. Tim Richardson, a pediatric dentist and owner of Acorn Dentistry for Kids in Silverton.

Unlike many employers, Richardson was able to extend his employees’ healthcare benefits, but that is far from common.

“This is a very large expense to the business but shows the company’s dedication to taking care of everyone as best we can, even during the hard times,” Richardson explained. “Many, many people were comforted by that decision.”

But comfort can be hard to come by for the business owners, watching the bills stack up, especially when winter was

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And that community, while itself reeling from the effects of isolation, school closures and layoffs, has come to the aid of many of its businesses, including – Beloved Cheesecakes.

“I was humbled before and I’m humbled again from all the love and support that we have been receiving during this time,” Jacobson admitted. “I have checked my mail box at the shop to find cards with checks in them. People calling to place special orders of a whole cheesecake… and leaving generous (and I mean generous) tips. I haven’t cried this much in years. My boys and I are so blessed to be a part of such an exceptional community.”

So, while things are tough and the road ahead is uncertain, these business owners are charging ahead with the same grit and determination that led them to open a small business in the first place and looking forward to better days ahead.

“I’m learning that a business is just like a relationship,” Jacobson mused. “There are times to give and times to receive. Thank you, Silverton from the bottom of our hearts.”

April 2020 • 7

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8 • April 2020

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April 2020 • 9

Civics 101

Futurekind

Silverton High tech programs ready students for a virtual world

By Brenna Wiegand

‘Tech Support’

Building on the work of its pioneers, Silverton High School has become one of the state’s finest schools for equipping Information Technology professionals.

The Silver Falls School District technology department has been invaluable in the districtwide transition to online learning, but their support doesn’t stop there.

The tech staff, who all stuck around when the schools closed, have also lent their support to Silverton Fire District and the City of Silverton.

When Dr. Drew Hinds, Silver Falls School District Technology Director, took charge of the IT Department four years ago, he reshaped a team who expanded and focused the curriculum to generate an Information and Communication Technologies umbrella composed of IT, Computer Science, Media Arts, and Engineering & Construction programs of study.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” Derek McElfresh, Communications and Community Relations Director for the school district said of the Computer Science Programming course of study that is overseen by Craig Rankin. “We’ve got students making their own video games, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence; pretty much any interest they have they can explore when they get to the higher levels of that program.

“There are only a handful of schools in the state that offer AP Computer Science (CS) Principles and AP CS Applications because they lack a dedicated computer science teacher,” McElfresh said.

Hinds greatly values the classified employees and staff that work in support of technology districtwide, considering them the reason the program is so robust.

Several of these employees are homegrown.

For instance, Brett Milliken has been with the district almost 20 years as an invaluable member of the team. Through high school he studied under Craig Yuranek and then Gary Marshall, the teachers who, over the past 20 years, laid the groundwork for today’s tech program. Milliken is now the district’s Senior Information Technology Specialist who, aside from a short stint with the ESD, never left.

Sophomore Josh Worley has been focusing on 3-D printers and computer-aided drafting software in Silverton High School’s Information & Communication Technologies department. BRENNA WIEGAND

“We’re doing a really great job as a school growing into new technologies,” Hinds said. “If you want to be a YouTuber; computer programmer or IT specialist; there are lots of options for kids to launch from. This is due to the flexibility and understanding of teaching staff that encourages the development of junior IT staff and are there helping them integrate technology in a way that works. The program thrives under the leadership of Principal Wade Lockett, Assistant Principal Johnie Ferro and CTE Division Lead, Dr. Kirsten Barnes.”

Jonathan Hansen and Maddy Traver are more Silverton High School graduates turned district employee. Traver, SCANTV Multimedia Assistant, spent all four years of high school in the program, graduating in 2018. Through its mentoring process she found her niche in the SCAN-TV division of the Media Arts & Communications program of study.

“He knows where every wire is located and how it connects with others to make things work,” Hinds said. “He is an example of the kind of staff we grow and retain in Silverton.

Traver is continuing her studies in graphic design and advertising. She assists the student crew that records all city and school district meetings and most school events including sports and stage plays. The team is always supporting the implementation of new technologies and tools in the everchanging technology landscape.

“We have many students who end up in IT shops and technology help desk positions in Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Salem and Keizer,” Hinds added. “They are entering with two or three years of IT experience, ready to work.

“What’s most valuable to me is giving kids a real-world experience,” Traver said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for this program, and I hope the students that graduate out of it will be just as successful.”

10 • April 2020

“It’s about establishing a pathway for kids early so that they can go three credits deep in an area,” Hinds said. “Each of our students in a pathway is on his or her own trajectory.”

Ryan Ellingson’s current trajectory propelled him back and forth to the middle school, fixing Chromebooks, hooking up printers and addressing any other technical problems a district employee may encounter. He sees a career path in cyber security.

“I attended NW Cyber Camp where we learned about setting up defenses against malware,” he said. “When I came back this fall a few tech students and staff attended the BSidesPDX cyber security conference. When we got back, we put together the Cyber Security Club here at the high school to learn Linux and more about information security. Our club is about focusing on finding ways to defend ourselves – or other companies – against malware and cyber security threats.”

Sophomore Josh Worley focused on 3D printers and computer-aided drafting software and freshman Jamison McNulty often staffed the Help Desk.

“If someone at any school is having an issue, they just enter it into the help desk database,” McNulty said. “Their ticket shows what the problem is, and we go out there to fix the issue. You can earn certain privileges by completing help desk tickets and training others in the technology department.”

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“Everybody has to have their online meetings now and it takes some expertise and just know-how to pull off a public meeting in a virtual environment,” Silver Falls School District Superintendent Paul Peterson said. “In the case of our school board meetings, you must still allow for public comment, and have a way to adjourn for executive session, with the audience exiting the meeting but still knowing when to come back.

“Think about all the little intricacies,” he said. “Drew Hinds and the whole team is awesome. When you’re working with software companies you’ve got to be really mindful and guard our student data and they have watched out for us, and all these little things that make such a difference in the long run.”

Though McNulty considers this a hobby, he knows these skills will be of great help in whatever career he pursues.

A student and employee of the district, senior Caleb Roeder serves as SCAN-TV Program Manager.

“What’s super cool about the high school is that through SCAN-TV I’m able to get paid for filming events and programming content onto our TV station, Channel 15,” Roeder said. “If you’re ever watching a City Council meeting or basketball game and the view changes or something pops up on the screen, that’s what I do.”

“We’re getting better at identifying kids like Caleb earlier and then fostering those skills in one of these areas,” Hinds said.

“I think my favorite part of SCAN-TV isn’t getting paid but actually getting out and getting involved with the community,” Roeder said. “It’s really cool, seeing what’s going on in town and how it can impact the town or high school life.”

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Spring into action

Silver Falls district snaps into gear to address needs

By Brenna Wiegand

“When people choose to homeschool or to enroll their children in an online school, they do so after a lot of thought, planning and preparation,” Peterson said.

“We’ve pivoted so quickly in the last few weeks that many families don’t have the opportunity to really plan and adjust.

Help often comes from unexpected places, and there is plenty of evidence that this pandemic has brought the community together in novel ways.

Last week, Silver Falls School District Superintendent Paul Peterson was part of a virtual meeting with several other community leaders.

“When I think about parents right now, the first thing I think about is the massive number of people who are losing their jobs and the stress it is creating for parents and families,” Peterson said. “That is why we have such a strong emphasis on the health and well-being of all of our kids.

“I told the story of how we wanted to collect the students’ supplies from their desks and send them home but that we didn’t have enough bags,” Peterson said. “Within an hour after the meeting Mayor Kyle Palmer calls me back and says, ‘Roth’s has bags; how many do you need?’ By the end of the day I had 1,000 bags.”

Meanwhile, the district’s tech department is assisting entities including the fire district and the city leaders in conducting the “virtual meetings” that have become a necessity for countless groups.

“Everybody on the team has done that,” Peterson said.

“All the administrators plus a whole bunch of other employees worked all the way through spring break. And when I say they worked I don’t mean they just worked a little bit. Many of them worked full-on 10 and 12-hour days. I’ve had to tell a couple people to take an afternoon off and get some rest.”

Now the teachers are back and engaging with the kids well, but it took a lot of effort up front and is an ongoing process.

“It’s not as simple as flipping a switch and suddenly we have remote classrooms,” Peterson said. “It’s more of an increasing the time teachers and kids will spend together for instruction – and doing it remotely.”

Teaching and Learning Director Jennifer Hannan led the development of instructional materials, creating and leading a process the district called “closure teams,” in which teachers in departments or grade-level teams

Silver Falls School District food service workers and its bus drivers unite to roll out the district’s food delivery system.

BRENNA WIEGAND

collaborated virtually to develop supplemental learning activities and materials. Peterson facilitated the middle school language arts group.

“It was so awesome working with them; they’re rock stars,” Peterson said. “They agreed upon the activities for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. That’s how all the learning materials on our website came together; teachers working together and agreeing on what they can do both online and offline.

“We have to do things like make directions on how to do assignments, available in English and Spanish, and make sure it’s as equitable as we can possibly make it so that all kids have the chance to continue their learning, whether they’re online or offline.”

At the same time the district is aware of the impact this new routine can have on the family.

New Ground in Mt. Angel School District Troy Stoops, Mount Angel School District Superintendent, tells of the latest developments as the district navigates uncharted waters in the wake of COVID-19.

Scott May, our Tech Director, has been busier than usual since March 13 and has not missed a day since. He is the innovator and driver for all things technology in our district. We have distributed Chromebooks to all students in grades 6-8 and are working on a plan to determine the technology needs for elementary students and, if needed, a plan for distributing technology to students in grades K-5.

We are in the final planning stages of Distance Learning for All. Our high school is making the transition much easier and quicker than the lower grades. This is primarily due to the high school students already having and using Chromebooks and

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Google Suites on a daily basis.

We will be rolling out distance learning in different stages and the format will likely vary between grade levels, subject area and the individual needs of students.

Now that the state has closed schools through the end of the year, we are in the process of figuring out how to best meet the needs of our graduating students.

Our food service program continues to serve an increasing number of families and at last count we were serving an average of 3,085 meals a week.

If you would like details of our program, please contact Gayle Schmidt, our Food Services Director, at Schmidt_gayle@mtangel.k12.or.us.

– Troy Stoops

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“We need to connect with kids because we are a source of stability for so many,” Peterson said. “Perhaps the most important thing we need to do is to continue to be that source of stability.”

Since school let out, free grab ’n’ go sack breakfast/ lunches for any child, 1 to 18, have been available for pick-up at district schools. April 8 the district transitioned to a meal delivery program where buses drop off the food at kids’ regular bus stops. That day, half a dozen buses loaded up with more than 700 meals to be scattered across the district.

Learning materials for those without online capability will be integrated into these deliveries.

“It’s going to take a few days to work out the logistics, but like a lot of things, a big part of it is just getting started,” he said. “Start, figure out what the issues are, fix them quickly and communicate, and that’s what we’re doing.

“Assistant Superintendent Dan Busch has done an exceptional job of involving staff and communicating with everyone on the food service team who have moved mountains to make this happen for kids.”

Although all Oregon school districts engaged in longdistance learning as of April 13, their starting points vary dramatically, from districts with robust, ongoing programs to rural areas without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.

Oregon Department of Education recently handed down “Graduation Pathways 2020,” guidance that “maintains Oregon’s rigorous credit requirements while providing a clear path to graduation for seniors who were on track to graduate prior to the statewide school closure.”

“Nothing will ever replace the face-to-face personal interaction between teachers and kids,” Peterson said.

“The best education we can give is kids working with caring teachers who are experts in their craft, and these things we’re learning will strengthen that.

“Though it took a pandemic, public education is really innovating through this,” he said. “We will come out of this stronger and with some new tricks and new ways of interacting professionally between ourselves and with our kids.

“I’m predicting that in the future snow days will look much different.”

April 2020 • 11

Sports & Recreation

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David Gonzales, a four-year contributor of historic proportions to the Silverton High basketball program, has announced plans to attend Corban University in Salem.

Gonzales, a senior point guard for the Foxes, said meeting and getting to know Warriors coach Mitch Freeman played a key role in his decision.

“I like him a lot,” said Gonzales, a two-time player of the year in the MidWillamette Conference and a first-team all-state Class 5A selection this season.

Silverton was a perfect 16-0 in league this season and was 25-1 overall and ready for a Class 5A tournament semifinal game against Crater of Central Point when the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of the tournament.

“That took a big toll, not just on us, but the state and the entire country,” he said. “Nobody was happy with the way it ended, but we finished our season strong, and I was appreciative that I got to spend that last day with the team.”

The Foxes dismantled Willamette 75-34 in the quarterfinals and were taking a 21-game winning streak into the semis.

David Gonzales goes to the basket during a state tournament game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Gonzales was 5-2 in state tourney games and helped lead Silverton to three league titles. TED MILLER

“I try not to look back too much,” Gonzales said of the missed opportunity of playing for a state title. “There are a lot bigger problems in life than just basketball.”

Gonzales, who helped the Foxes win three consecutive league titles, finished 5-2 in state tourney games. The Foxes took fourth in 2018, his sophomore year, and finished third last season. In his freshman year, Gonzales was a strong contributor off the bench on a team that

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Passages

Francis John Harman

David Gonzales moving on to Corban came within one game of state, losing at eventual runner-up Churchill.

In that game, Gonzales, then 5-9, exhibited a fearlessness that seemed impossible given his age. Mad dashes to the hoop. Unafraid to take a long 3-pointer. Patterns that continued for three more years.

Gonzales grew to 5-11 by his senior year but never forgot the lesson of “heart over height” as he led the Foxes to a 45-1 league record in his final three years.

“Pretty amazing,” said Silverton coach Jamie McCarty of Gonzales’ career. He added that Corban “will be a great spot for him. It’s close to home, it’s a great program and his friends can still support him.”

Gonzales, who credited McCarty and his predecessor, Steve Roth, with playing key roles in his career, said he plans to major in biology and hopes to serve in the military as an orthopedic surgeon.

Spring sports: Say goodbye to baseball and softball and track and field, and all of the other spring sports.

The Oregon Schools Activities Association announced April 8 it is canceling all spring sports because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Gov. Kate Brown’s decision earlier that day to keep the state’s schools closed for in-person learning through the end of the school year, OSAA officials said, made their decision inevitable. “(This) heart wrenching decision is

difficult for all members of the OSAA family,” said Peter Weber, OSAA executive director. “We empathize with students and school communities, especially our graduating seniors, but recognize that these cancellations will allow our collective focus to remain where it’s most needed at this time – on the health and safety of all Oregonians.

“We had maintained hope for an abbreviated spring season to help bring a sense of normalcy to these uncertain times. Now more than ever we need to apply the lessons learned through participation in education‐based activities – teamwork, sacrifice, resilience – and play our role in adhering to the public health guidelines. We all look forward to the day when we play again.”

Before Brown’s order, schools were officially closed through April 28, and the OSAA had been working on contingency plans for a short spring season that might have included state championships.

Scheduling all of the championships would have been logistically challenging.

Looking ahead to the fall, the OSAA calendar shows that the first official practice date is Aug. 17, with teams able to conduct conditioning week/summer camp the week before. The first contest date for sports other than football is Aug. 27. Football squads can participate in jamborees on Aug. 27, with Sept. 3 the first Friday night for games.

Follow me on Twitter.com @jameshday.

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Born March 4, 1935 in Silverton to parents Francis and Nora Harman, Sr., Francis John Harman served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Sally A. (Orton) Harman, on Feb. 8, 1964 in Salem. They were married 46 years until Sally preceded him in death in 2010.

Francis worked 44 years in the wood industry, 34 of those years at Boise Cascade

Nicholas Rock

Nick grew up in Silverton and graduated from Silverton High School in 1965. He spent the majority of his life in Silverton prior to moving to LaPine. He initially retired in LaPine before moving to Dallas to be closer to family. Nick enjoyed spending time fishing; hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and watching his grandson play baseball.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Rock;

Francis is survived by his four children; John Harman, Marie Fidler, Debbie Satterfield and Jim Harman; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church and enjoyed playing Pinochle at the Silverton Senior Center. Celebration of life will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

his mother Freddie Rock; daughter, Karen (Cody) Cain; his son, Darrell (Karen) Rock. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Ilene and Larry Hague, Fred and Carma Rock, Larry and Janet Rock, Pam and Joe Duda, and Trish Rock, and his stepchildren, Jeff, Casey and Patrick Comer and Julie Brock, 17 grandchildren, and 11 greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Bud Rock, sister, Laurie Kennedy and nephew, Jim Rock.

Celebration of life will be held later.

Arrangements are with Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.

July 28, 1936 – March 26, 2020

Ronald LeRoy Young passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on March 26, 2020, at the age of 83. His tough, cowboy spirit helped him throughout his entire life, but never more so than in the last year, battling cancer.

Ron was born on July 28, 1936 in St. John, Kansas, to Athel and Velma (Correll) Young. He was the oldest of two boys, followed almost four years later by his younger brother William.

At the age of 18, Ron joined the U.S. Navy, serving in active duty from 1954 to 1958.

He met and married his soul mate Charlene Thompson in 1969. The two made Silverton their home. After raising their children, they moved to Bend for the next 23 years. They developed lifelong friendships there and returned to Silverton in 2010.

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in Independence, Oregon where he retired in 1998.

Nov. 28, 1946 – April 3, 2020

Nicholas Vernon Rock, of Dallas, Oregon, was born Nov. 28, 1946 in Salem to Vernon “Bud” Rock and Fedora “Freddie” Rock. He died April 3, 2020 at Salem Hospital due to complications from pneumonia.

Ronald Young

March 4, 1935 – April 8, 2020

Nothing was more important to Ron than his family, his country, and his love of horses. For those that never met him, he was the epitome of a cowboy – quiet, humble, strong, and a loyal friend with a heart filled with joy and love (and as bow-legged as they come). He found no greater joy than being on horseback with his friends, family, and faithful dog.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Charlene, and survived by his five children: son Michael Griffith and partner Mark Frisk, and daughters Tami (Mark) Ohrstrom, Julie (Roger) Bersin, Teri Young, and Jill (Andy) Leebrick, as well as by his nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and his brother Bill.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

April 2020 • 13

People Out Loud

In this together Suffice it to say that, as a writer, trying to be creative, original, witty, or helpful in the middle of a pandemic is challenging at best. Everywhere we look, everything we hear, is tied to something to do with COVID-19. I thought long and hard trying to get away from thoughts of the coronavirus but kept coming back to it.

But I noticed most of the news was bad.

I decided to take it in another direction.

There are so many good things happening that they need to be put in the store window. Kyle Kirsch got a shoutout from the governor for producing hundreds (if not more) masks with his 3D printer. Andy Diacetis has created a movement to get “essential” workers treats, meals, and thank-yous, and the help he has received in this endeavor is incredible. Even better? He connected the dots by getting restaurants, bakeries, and other businesses involved so they got some revenue in the process. Win-Win. (See Brenna and Melissa’s great articles on these efforts).

I posted the idea for this column on

local, seasonal menu

We are closed at this time to protect our staff and guests.

Readers help call attention to and praise good deeds

social media and was overwhelmed by the “stories” of people helping people.

One comment really stood out to me, and I must give credit to Meredith Wertz, R.N. She said, in part, “As a healthcare worker, I think applause should go out to not just an individual person but to our community. Those silent souls… I cannot tell you how many people have reached out to help with masks, giving gift packs to healthcare workers, offer sewing caps, gifting necessities. All these things not to get accolades for themselves but doing it because they know it is the right thing to do... Many are stepping out to do all that they can do – it makes my heart full.”

What do you do when you feed several

thousand people a year but now the food pantry has restrictions on social distancing in cramped quarters? You give out gift cards, get your staff and volunteer workers protective masks, and you soldier on helping those in need. Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) and their Executive Director, Sarah DeSantis, have done a magnificent job. Sheltering Silverton, too. Remarkable people with massive hearts.

Arnie Amsden sent a nice private message giving shout-outs to utility workers and companies who keep our electricity running, our phones working, our homes heated. Virginia Brown recognized farm workers who keep our agricultural industry running (and the farmers, of course!).

One person gave kudos to someone we would never have thought about – Betty Jo Steele, the only Chaplain at Silverton Hospital because the rest are volunteers who can’t come in. “She is covering everything day and night, 24/7, with no relief.” Another person gave strokes to “the unsung heroes, the helpers –

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Gather Silverton 14 • April 2020

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Silverton’s essential workers, from mail carriers to grocery store workers to pharmacy staff to everyone at Silverton Hospital. They put their lives on the line every day.”

Still another respondent recognized City Manager Christy Wurster, Police Chief Jeff Fossholm, Mayor Kyle Palmer, and School Superintendent Paul Peterson, “for collaborating on solutions for our community. So calm, so humble, and creative. I appreciate their leadership.”

One Silver Falls School District staff member said what is not obvious to the layperson: “We essentially had to go from being a pubic, bricks and mortar school to an on-line education system in a matter of a few weeks.”

Perhaps two people summed it up beautifully: “I have never lived in a kinder community. There is something magical about this little town.” The second said, “We take care of each other – as we can, in a million big AND little ways.”

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In Memory Of …

Esther Fennimore

Oct. 19, 1934 — March 20, 2020

Ronald Young

July 28, 1936 — March 26, 2020

Ann Maurer

April 4, 1926 — March 28, 2020

Anna White

Oct. 9, 1931 — March 29, 2020

Dorothy Matlock

Feb. 8, 1929 — March 29, 2020

Robert Cook

May 28, 1940 — March 30, 2020

See full obituaries at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com

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April 2020 • 15

16 • April 2020

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